Ollie says: Ask Now. Save Lives.
Asking about suicide saves lives. This August, fundraiser Ollie Kirk is taking on 10 Olympic-distance triathlons in 10 days across the UK to encourage more people to start conversations that matter and raise vital funds for suicide prevention.
The Ask Now, Save Lives campaign
Every week, around 115 people die by suicide in the UK, but many suicides can be prevented through early intervention and support.
If you’re worried about someone, don’t be afraid to ask if they are having thoughts about suicide.
Asking directly is safer than not asking and won’t put the idea into their head. It shows that you care and gives them the opportunity to talk openly about what they’re experiencing.
It could be the first step towards saving their life and help someone feel heard, valued, and less alone.
Ask.
If you’re worried someone may be thinking about ending their life, asking openly and directly could be the first step towards getting them the help they need.
Listen.
Listen with empathy and without judgement. Let them know they matter, give them time to talk and remember you don’t need to have all the answers.
Act.
Help them take the next step towards support, whether that’s talking to a trusted friend, contacting a GP, calling a helpline or creating a safety plan.
Start the conversation
Learn how to ask about suicide, and support someone who may be struggling.
Build your confidence
Watch our interactive video and practise the skills that could help you have a life-saving conversation.
Access support and resources
Access trusted resources, helplines and guidance you can share with someone who may be struggling.
Help spread the message
Share the campaign and encourage more people to talk openly about suicide and gain the skills to do so.
Ollie's story
“I’m taking on 10 Olympic-distance triathlons in 10 days in memory of my dad, who we tragically lost to suicide 10 years ago. The impact on our family has been devastating and will stay with us forever. If sharing my story encourages even one person to reach out, or one friend to ask someone if they are okay, then every mile will have been worth it.
I’m supporting Grassroots Suicide Prevention because they are helping to change lives through initiatives like the Ask Now, Save Lives campaign and empowering people to have vital conversations before it’s too late.
Suicide is affecting families across the UK every single day…mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, and fathers. Together, we can break the stigma and make sure people don’t suffer in silence.”
"If I could say one thing to my dad, knowing how he was thinking, it would be to tell him he wasn’t a burden, he was loved and we needed him around and that we would help him in any way we can."
10 Triathlons. 10 Days. 1 mission.
On 8 August, Ollie will kick off his 10 Olympic-distance triathlons in 10 days across the UK to raise awareness that asking about suicide saves lives. He’ll finish at Brighton Pier on 17 August, a special place for Ollie and his dad Vic.
Join Ollie at any of these locations at 9am or meet him at around 1pm.
- 8 August – Brighton – Palace Pier
- 9 August – Sherborne – Oxley Sports Centre
- 10 August – Bodmin – Borough Arms
- 11 August – Sherborne – Oxley Sports Centre
- 12 August – Cotswold Water Park – Lake 32 Outdoor Centre
- 13 August – York – Allerthorpe Lakeland Park
- 14 August – Nottingham – David Lloyd West Bridgford
- 15 August – Farnham – David Lloyd Farnham
- 16 August – Mytchett – Quay Swim
- 17 August – Brighton – Palace Pier
Donate today
Ollie is taking on this challenge to ensure more people get the support they need before they reach crisis point.
Your donation will help fund suicide prevention training, campaigns and resources that empower people to ask, listen and act when someone may be struggling.
Together, we can give more people the confidence and skills to start conversations that could save lives.
Help spread the message
The more people who see Ask Now, Save Lives, the more conversations can happen.
Share this campaign with your friends, family and community.
Or download our campaign graphic and share it on your social channels. #AskNowSaveLives
Want to learn more?
Asking about suicide can feel daunting, but the right skills and confidence can help you start conversations that matter.
Register your interest in our upcoming public suicide prevention training course and we’ll let you know when places become available.